Child Evangelism Fellowship of Indiana, Inc.
CYIA™ Code of Conduct
Mission Statement
The mission statement for Christian Youth in Action (CYIA) training is to disciple dedicated Christian trainees, seeking to equip them to become effective children’s evangelists, primarily through the ministry of 5-Day Clubs.
Purpose of Code of Conduct
Because of the wide diversity of the staff and trainees, we have found it necessary to be very clear about what is and what is not acceptable conduct at CYIA for the spiritual, relational, emotional and physical well-being of all who attend.
Biblical Basis
During CYIA training, students and staff are to dress and conduct themselves in a manner that honors the Lord Jesus Christ. Based on the following four principles, we have sought to establish some guidelines for students and staff involved in the CYIA program. CYIA training and the Summer Missionary program are designed for students who are followers of Christ, demonstrating a walk of obedience with God.
1. We are the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
2. We are to be an example. 1 Timothy 4:12
3. We are not to cause one another to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:9
4. Obedience. Romans 13:1
Attendance
Trainees are expected to attend all sessions unless granted permission by a Dean or the On-site Director of CYIA.
Bullying
Any attendee found to be harassing, making fun of, or intimidating another student is subject to the CYIA Attendee Progressive Discipline Policy.
Cellular Phones and other Electronic Communication Devices
Cell phone / electronic device guidelines will be provided on location at CYIA. Though many use an app for referencing or reading the Bible, our requirement is that each trainee bring a printed Bible to class and to all other meetings requiring a Bible.
Dangerous Weapons
Items designed to cause bodily harm or deemed potentially harmful are not to be brought to CYIA. If discovered at CYIA, they will be confiscated.
Items Not to Bring or Use
Do not bring or use any wheeled devices, such as, but not limited, to bikes, skateboards, and wheelie shoes, hoverboards also are not acceptable.
Deceitful Activity
Any attendee involved in lying or attempting to deceive a CYIA staff person will be subject to the CYIA Attendee Progressive Discipline Policy.
Dorms
Each attendee is responsible to keep their belongings in proper order in the dorms. Do not lock the door. Other’s belongings are off limits. Male trainees are not permitted in the female dorms and female trainees are not permitted in the male dorms.
Dress Standard Guidelines
Guided by God’s Word and recognizing that they represent Christ at all times, students are to dress in a manner appropriate to gender and the occasion without compromising modesty. Respecting the guidelines and those who enforce them reflects a heart that is obedient and submissive as Christian hearts are commanded to be. Whether casual wear, sports apparel, or classroom dress, outer garments should not be sheer, tight, or revealing. Often worldly fashion trends make it difficult to purchase modest clothing. When this is the case, students are expected to adequately adjust their wardrobe choices to conceal rather than reveal. Clothes should completely cover undergarments at all times. We do not want to see any skin between the bottom of your shirt and the top of your pants (this includes when you have your arms above your head).
If you choose to wear jeans at CYIA, do not wear skinny jeans, torn or ones with holes.
Women
Classroom & Church
Dress pants, capri pants or jeans, modest dresses or skirts, and tops. (Hem length of dress/skirt must be knee length.) Leggings and athletic shorts are not permitted at CYIA or while teaching 5-Day clubs. Camis and tank tops are meant to be worn under blouses and not to be worn as a shirt. No tops with printed messages other than Christian wear. Students will be provided CEF T-shirts and will be expected to wear them to class and study/practice times. During church and Sunday School, dress clothes are required.
Sports/Choice Time
Pants and tops, sweatshirts, T-shirts, jeans, casual dress (The hem of shorts should be at least the length of your fingertips, with your arms fully extended at your side). No tank tops or camis (as a top) or yoga pants are allowed.
Men
Classroom & Church
Conservative dress slacks, khakis or jeans, dress shirts, nice polo shirts. Pants should fit. Ties are fine but not required. (For teaching clubs, a white shirt and tie are identified with certain cults, so they should be avoided.) No tank tops and no tops with printed messages other than Christian wear. CEF T-shirts will be provided for students to wear to class and study/practice times. During church and Sunday School, dress clothes are required.
Sports/Choice Time
Pants and tops, sweatshirts, T-shirts, jeans, and casual dress (The hem of shorts should be at least the length of your fingertips, with your arms fully extended at your side). No tank tops are allowed.
Drinking and Drugs
Zero Tolerance Policy = Attendee automatically sent home.
Alcohol and drugs absolutely have no place at CYIA. Positively no alcohol, drugs or controlled substances are to be carried onto the property; this includes cigarettes or any other tobacco product. Any attendee in possession of alcohol, drugs, or a controlled substance is sent home immediately. In the event alcohol, drugs or a controlled substance is found, it will be confiscated, and the appropriate authorities will be contacted.
Energy / High Caffeine Drinks
Energy and high caffeine drinks are not to be brought or purchased on campus while at CYIA.
Fighting
CYIA does not tolerate attendees who harm other attendees, whether it is physical or verbal fighting.
Gambling
No games of chance may be played on the property, that involve the exchange of money, items, or services.
Grounds
All garbage is to be placed in the proper containers. Please refer to your campus map in your pretraining manual to determine what parts of the campus are in the allowed boundaries. The only exception for these boundaries is for jogging. Groups of students who wish to go jogging must be accompanied by a staff person. Trainees/Staff will not leave the grounds except for supervised/approved activities.
Internet Social Networking / Blogging Policy / Photo Release
In general, the CYIA leadership views social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), personal Web sites, and Weblogs (“Blogs”) positively and respects the right of students to use them as a medium of self-expression. Attendees must use the internet in ways that are in keeping with the standards of CYIA. CEF policies must be followed with respect to posting pictures of minors (i.e., Be sure that photography and video releases / R-32 are obtained for any children / minor appearing in promotional material, including online photos. Be careful to protect the children and the reputation of the CEF ministry by adhering to CEF policies.) Individuals/Students/Staff do not have the authority to post pictures. The photo release is only given to the ministry of CEF. Individuals/Students/Staff wishing to personally post pictures of each other must acquire permission.
Lights Out
CYIA training has a “Lights out” policy that will be explained on the first day of training. Following this policy will assure proper rest.
Meal Times
All students will be present at meal times, except by special exemption granted by the Dean/On-site Director.
Name Tags
Each attendee will wear their own lanyard name tag around their neck for identification and security purposes.
Obscenity
Obscene, profane, or vulgar language whether written, oral, or expressed by symbols is not tolerated. Any attendee who violates this policy will be subject to the CYIA Attendee Progressive Discipline Policy.
Pornography
The viewing or possession of pornography or other adult-oriented material, in any forms, is not permitted at CYIA. Anyone found viewing/in possession of such material will be subject to the CYIA Attendee Progressive Discipline Policy and may be sent home.
Relationships – Male/Female
Friendships with Christians of the opposite sex are beneficial in social, spiritual, and leadership development. Therefore, trainees may talk, walk, sit, and dine with members of the opposite sex but at no time will they have any physical contact with the opposite sex other than handshakes, “High 5’s” and non-intimate hugs. Any type of wrong speech or touching will not be tolerated. Trainees/Staff are to report any improper incident to the On-site Director as soon as possible. [Reference the CEF® Child Protection Policy 1.4 Version page 3]
Search and Seizure
CYIA leadership reserves the right to search an attendee’s property, either by themselves or with the aid of law enforcement officials, if the CYIA staff deems the search is necessary to maintain the integrity of the CYIA environment and/or the protection of the other attendees. These searches may or may not include the use of specially trained dogs.
Severe Behavior
While CYIA strives to be all-inclusive, attendees with untreated chemical dependency, severe emotional disturbances or violent behavior may not be able to participate effectively. Talk with the State Director before the registration deadline to assess how CYIA may serve you and your child best.
Sexual Expression Biblical Stand
As set forth in our Statement of Faith, “we believe that ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God,’ ” by which we understand “all scripture” to be a reference to the whole book called “THE BIBLE”; that it is inerrant in the original writing and that its teaching and authority are absolute, supreme, and final. The Bible speaks to issues of human relations, including those involving sexual morality, and is our ultimate rule of faith and practice.
All Child Evangelism Fellowship staff members and volunteers must abstain from engaging in or supporting unbiblical sexual practices or unbiblical marital unions. In questions of conduct not mentioned in this section, reference should be made to CEF policies, the Bible, and other Doctrinal Standards.
It is imperative to demonstrate love and respect to everyone. Therefore, mocking, teasing, joking, etc., will not be tolerated in respect to this issue.
Stealing
Stealing is a violation of law. A student who becomes involved in a theft of CYIA property or another attendee’s belongings is subject to the CYIA Attendee Progressive Discipline Policy. Stealing may result in alerting the proper authorities and/or a student being sent home early.
Study Times
Study times are meant for preparation for club and completion of assignments given by the instructors.
Vandalism
Students involved in vandalism or malicious mischief either against CYIA property, IWU property, or against another student's or staff's property will be disciplined immediately. Payment to repair any damage accrued because of the vandalism is the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian.
CYIA Attendee Progressive Discipline Policy
We believe that every person has the right to experience CYIA and all it has to offer. We believe in setting limits and explaining the boundaries for all participants. When these boundaries are tested, we use specific procedures to help the attendee to continue his/her experience at CYIA.
All our staff receives significant training in these procedures. During the registration process, at pretraining and on the first day of CYIA, our staff will go over the dorm expectations and ground rules of CYIA. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions about policies and rules, so that everyone is clear about expectations.
Procedures We Follow:
1. The attendee’s Dean/On-site Director will speak with the attendee and check whether the attendee understands why the behavior is unacceptable and knows what the consequences are. The Dean/On-site Director will restate the desired behavior, with clear consequences given for not following the desired behavior.
2. If the behavior is repeated, the Dean/On-site Director will let the attendee know that this is still unacceptable and will then involve the attendee’s Local Director.
3. If the behavior persists, the On-site Director/State Director will determine if the student should remain at training or be sent home. Parents will need to make transportation arrangements, and there are no refunds for students sent home for behavioral reasons.
4. There are some actions that may warrant immediate removal from training. These actions include but are not limited to smoking or using tobacco products, using alcohol or illegal drugs, stealing, or endangering their own safety or the safety of staff or students.
This discipline policy attempts to let attendees know that while they are cared for, certain behaviors are not acceptable during training.